Some of the content on the Crohn's & Colitits Foundation of America website requires JavaScript to be enabled in your web browser to function as intended. This includes, but is not limited to: Flash (also requires the Adobe Flash Player), navigation, video, image galleries, etc. While the website is still usable without JavaScript, it should be enabled to enjoy the full interactive experience.

Traveling With IBD

Don't avoid a dream vacation or business trip because you suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Whether traveling abroad or here in the States, these tips will come in handy.

Travel Tips for Vacation Time

Locating A Doctor

Ask your doctor for the names of physicians in the cities you plan to visit or check out the "find a doctor" link on this site

For a donation, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (1623 Military Road #279, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-1745; 716-754-4883; www.iamat.org) provides lists of English-speaking doctors in many countries.

The American Embassy's Consulate Section has a list of local doctors broken down by specialization. Please visit:www.usembassy.gov

Traveling With Prescription Drugs

Bring enough medication to last throughout your trip. Filling a prescription abroad can be complicated.

Always carry your medication with you on the plane.

Keep your medication in its original container. Use pillboxes to carry small amounts needed during the course of a day.

A typed statement from your physician, describing your medical history and the drugs you are taking, will be helpful if customs officials question you or if an emergency arises.

Let your pharmacist know if you are taking medication out of the country.

Get copies of all prescriptions, including foreign brand names or generic names.

International Medical Insurance

It is important to look into international medical insurance options. First, check to see if your current insurance company has international coverage to cover costs for emergency room visits, doctor visits, prescription medication, preventative screenings, and a host of other factors. For resources on international medical insurance, please reach out to our IBD Help Center for a list of options by sending an email to info@crohnscolitisfoundation.org or calling 888-694-8872.

How To Avoid Traveler's Diarrhea

Diarrhea afflicts one out of three U.S. travelers to less developed countries. These tips can help prevent an unpleasant bout of "Montezuma's revenge":

"Don't drink the water"--unless you boil it first.

Drink bottled mineral water, even when brushing your teeth.

Try not to swallow the water when showering.

Don't swallow water when swimming in fresh water, swimming pools, or where the ocean may be polluted.

Dizziness on standing up or an episode of fainting may indicate lowered blood pressure. The cause could be with malfunction of the adrenal gland, an indication that your steroid dose may need to be adjusted.

Scanty, concentrated urine could indicate dehydration.

Location, Location, Location (of bathrooms!)

Most patients with IBD have memorized the map of restrooms related to their daily routines. Treat travel time with the same respect. When booking a reserved seat, find out where the closest lavatory is and book one in close proximity. When mapping a road trip, consult AAA or other trip planning guides for rest stops with bathrooms. There is more than one route to get almost anywhere. Plan one that has more off-road stops with public restrooms. Remember, the scenic route may well be one that does not have the amenities of civilization that you require as a patient.

Always travel with your own toilet paper, soothing wipes, ointments and changes of underwear and extra clothes. Keep hand sanitizer handy in small bottles that can go through airport security, if applicable.

Learning the Lingo—(Toilette, WC, Loo, etc.)

If you are travelling outside of the US, make a point of knowing how to say “toilet” or “bathroom” and “urgent” or “emergency” and “pharmacy” and “doctor” in the local tongue. “Where is” could also help. There are many pocket electronic translators available today that could come in handy or apps for your mobile PC’s or phones. Travel guidebooks usually include a lexicon of local vocabulary with phonetic pronunciation. In the US, it is helpful to have a Foundation's identification card called “I can’t wait,” available to Foundation members, to explain that you do need to be first in line when there is one.

Feeling Secure with Transportation Security

We continue to see innovations in air- port screenings to make us all safer. In order to achieve this, we all have had to sacrifice some convenience and privacy. If you have an ostomy, alert security personnel. They are trained to anticipate and respond to medical needs in screening travelers. Ostomy supplies are permitted through security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a webpage specifically for travelers with medical conditions. Check it out before you embark on air travel; you may need to make a verbal or written declaration of any liquid medication or nutrition supplement in excess of 3.4 ounces or100ml. Be sure to put medications and essential supplies in your carryon, so you will have them with you at all times. You will be able to purchase water and other beverages after you pass through security to carry on- board.

Once you’re prepared, relax, buckle up for safety, and enjoy the road ahead!

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation provides information for educational purposes only. We encourage you to review this educational material with your health care professional. The Foundation does not provide medical or other health care opinions or services. The inclusion of another organization's resources or referral to another organization does not represent an endorsement of a particular individual, group, company or product.